The striking Writers Guild of America can claim a high-profile victory in obliterating the Golden Globes ceremony. And though it's not likely to have a big impact on the larger fight for a contract, it is making Tinseltown a bit jittery about the season's biggest event: the Academy Awards.

Just weeks ago, the holiday shopping season seemed headed for disaster. But in the waning hours before Christmas, the nation's retailers got their wish -- a last-minute surge of shopping that helped meet their modest sales goals, according to data released late Monday by research firm ShopperTrak RCT Corp.

Just weeks ago, the holiday shopping season seemed headed for disaster. But in the waning hours before Christmas, the nation's retailers got their wish a last-minute surge of shopping that was expected to help them meet modest sales goals.

The Federal Reserve has been lowering short-term interest rates to prop up the economy, and that's a good thing unless you're a saver. When the Fed cuts interest rates, usually your bank eventually does, too. Fortunately, you can still find decent yields. You have to look a bit harder for them, though, and you have to take a bit more risk.